How to Eliminate Dog Urine Odor

There are various home remedies for eliminating dog urine odor. During training, or due to an illness causing incontinence, your dog may have accidents indoors. And if we don't eliminate the smell completely, they'll keep urinating in inappropriate spots.

On the market there are products formulated for this problem. However, if you're allergic or would rather not use chemical products to avoid exposing your dog to them, there are homemade methods you can use. Let's see which ones are most effective!

Why is my dog urinating indoors?

Before looking for solutions to eliminate urine odor, we need to solve the main problem: why is my dog urinating indoors?

It's normal for puppies to take time to learn where to relieve themselves. During this process, the dog might have "accidents" in the wrong spots around the house. However, if it happens suddenly in adult dogs, it's time to look for the cause.

Incontinence has various origins: kidney stones, tumors, prostate problems, among other conditions. Also, a senior dog may lose bladder control.

Another reason is territorial marking — this behavior is common in dogs during the heat cycle. Likewise, stressed, scared, or nervous dogs may urinate anywhere.

Another possibility is that you're not walking them enough, or don't have a consistent schedule. Establishing a routine is essential for your dog to relieve themselves properly.

If your dog starts urinating indoors, consider these possibilities and consult your vet to rule out the cause. In none of these cases should you scold or reprimand your dog for peeing.

Cleaning the area

Before applying a homemade remedy, remove the urine from the area. Keep the following in mind:

• Clean up as soon as your dog pees, to prevent the smell from soaking into the spot.
• Don't rub or scrub the urine. Place disposable absorbent towels on top. Use as many as you need.
• Soak a towel in water and remove any remaining urine.
• Use gloves throughout the whole process.
• Don't use products containing bleach, ammonia, or sulfur, since these are toxic to pets.

Eliminating dog urine odor from the house

Once the urine is removed, it's time to apply homemade remedies that erase the scent trail. Apply these methods depending on the affected area:

White vinegar

White vinegar has disinfectant properties, and its smell is also unpleasant to dogs. For this reason, it's able to erase the scent marker.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup white vinegar
• 1 cup water

Mix the ingredients and spray the mixture on the floor. Then remove the residue with towels and go over it once more with a towel soaked in plain water. This method is also effective for treating rugs, after drying with absorbent towels. Also, want to know how to eliminate dog urine odor from wood? Vinegar and water are your best allies for this.

Baking soda

Another homemade remedy for eliminating dog urine odor is baking soda. It's an alkaline compound capable of eliminating fungus and bacteria. It's also very cheap and easy to find.

If you're wondering how to eliminate dog urine odor with baking soda, there's a very effective way.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup white vinegar
• 3 tablespoons baking soda

Mix the ingredients and apply to the affected area. Let it sit for several minutes and remove with absorbent towels. This method isn't recommended for wood surfaces or rugs, since there's a risk of discoloration.

Citrus

Dogs hate the smell of citrus, and some citrus fruits, like lemon, also have disinfectant properties. Lemons, oranges, and mandarins are effective, since their strong scents remove dog urine odor.

Ingredients:

• 200 ml juice from a citrus fruit
• 4 tablespoons baking soda
• 100 ml water

In a container, mix the ingredients until combined. Then spray onto the affected surface and let it sit for several minutes before removing. Rinse with plain water and dry thoroughly. This product works as a dog repellent.

Hydrogen peroxide and soap

Another way to erase the scent trail is using two products easily found at home.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups hydrogen peroxide
• 2 tablespoons liquid soap

Mix the ingredients and apply to the affected area. Let it dry, then remove with a damp cloth. If the smell persists, repeat the process. This method isn't safe for upholstery or wood, since hydrogen peroxide discolors them.

Eliminating dog urine odor from soil and the yard

The outside of your house can also be affected by the annoying smell of urine. If you don't act in time, it'll become a real problem, since sun and moisture will make the stench worse.

The urine may come from your own dog, or from other dogs that tend to relieve themselves in front of your yard. To solve it, follow these steps:

• Give the yard a thorough cleaning. Outdoor materials are more rugged — you can clean urine by scrubbing with a broom and water; just make sure it doesn't spread across the whole surface, since that would only spread the smell further.
• Apply one of the remedies described above to built surfaces: tiles, concrete, wood, ceramic…
• If the bad smell is in the soil, you should apply a homemade remedy that isn't harmful to your plants. At a garden center or nursery, get garden lime, sprinkle it on the smelly area, and then pour water over it.

How to remove dog urine stains?

Homemade remedies for eliminating dog urine are effective. However, if the urine has been sitting for a long time, it can stain certain surfaces.

The best way to remove yellow urine stains is to apply an enzymatic cleaner. This isn't a homemade product, but it is natural. There are various brands specifically formulated to remove stains caused by pets.

On dried stains, rub with a damp cloth and try to remove as much as possible. Afterward, apply the enzymatic cleaner. The time it takes to work varies, so it's recommended to read the product instructions for it to be effective. This method is safe for fabrics and rugs.

White vinegar, baking soda, and hydrogen peroxide alone also work to remove yellow stains. However, they can stain wood floors and fabric surfaces, which is why it's more advisable to go with a specialized product instead.